Home Seller FAQ’s

Theoretically, it is possible to save money if you sell your home yourself. However, unless you have experience selling homes yourself, the answer is truthfully, no. Consider that without the expertise of a REALTOR®, you’ll have to determine a listing price that will actually work, methods of advertising your home for sale, prepping the home for sale, and that’s all before you’ve even received an offer. Studies have conclusively shown that using a REALTOR® to list and sell your home gets you a far better final price than going it alone does. Keep in mind, that even if you sell your home yourself, your buyer will likely have a buyer’s agent working with them. Because REALTORS® are in the business of getting their client the best deal, and because they know the ins and outs of buying a home, you’ll be going into negotiations without an advocate of your own.

I’ve Decided To Sell My House. Now What Do I Do?

First, contact us today! Next, start prepping the interior of your home for open housing and showings. Remove clutter, give the house a thorough cleaning, and tidy up the property around the home. Boutique Realty’s team of advisors will do the rest, but here’s what to expect. We’ll draw up a listing contract which we will thoroughly explain to you. It will include your property information including the number of bedrooms, bathrooms, square footage, style of home, and more. This information is used to compile your listing for the Multiple Listing Service (MLS). The contract will also make clear how long you agree to have the REALTOR® represent you as a seller. Other details will include terms and conditions as well as the commission your REALTOR® will earn. Following that, your Boutique Realty agent will arrange an advertising schedule, where appropriate, and begin showing your property, and fielding calls from other agents about the property. Specific instructions including showing times will follow, as we keep you well aware of each step of the process.

How Long Will It Take To Sell My Home?

This is a question with no finite answer. If you work with a seasoned REALTOR® who knows your neighborhood, understands the comps in the neighborhood, and has an effective marketing strategy, your home may sell immediately. However, there are countless factors that will play a part in how expediently the home will sell. It is important to list the house at an attractive price, and be willing to act when offers come in. Typically, the escrow process will take at least 30 days, but generally less than 60, once you’ve accepted an offer.

How Does My Boutique Realty Agent Get Paid?

We will not be paid unless we are able to sell your property. Our commission will be laid out and determined in your listing contract. We are happy to show you the forms and disclose our commission at your request. Contact us today for specific information.

Should I Advertise My Home For Sale In The Newspaper?

You certainly can. Your REALTOR® might even suggest it. However your trusted real estate agent will already being marketing the home through the MLS system and other online home selling sites, so it may be unnecessary. Allow the professionals at Boutique Realty to advise you of viable home selling strategies that will provide the greatest exposure of your home.

Why Aren’t I Getting Any Offers On My Home?

There are a number of reasons your home isn’t receiving the offers you are hoping for. The most common however, is that it is not priced appropriately, given market conditions. Contact Boutique Realty for a second opinion on your list price, if your home has been on the market for more than a month with no interest.

Is There A “Best Time” To Sell My Home?

Some say yes, and some say no. Summer is often thought of as “real estate season.” However, at Boutique Realty, we know that the perfect time to sell your home is when you are ready to sell your home. The only thing constant in the real estate market is change, so there is one single-best time to sell your home. We will work with you to devise a customized sales strategy that will allow you to sell your home for a reasonable price and within a reasonable time, no matter what time of year it is.

Should I Wait For Home Values To Rise Before Selling My Home?

This is a crapshoot. No one can predict with any degree of certainty what the real estate market is going to do. Therefore, there is never any guarantee that home values will rise. Nor is there any guarantee that home values will drop. Moreover, values can be offset by interest rates, so Boutique Realty encourages you to sell your home when you are ready to sell your home. Trying to time the market is an unscientific approach to selling a property.

Do I Have To Accept An Offer Made On My Home?

Of course not. However, if the offer fulfills all of the conditions of your listing agreement, why wouldn’t you sell your home? Talk with your Boutique Realty agent about any concerns you have regarding accepting a specific offer.

I’ve Accepted An Offer On My Home. Now What?

Once you and your REALTOR® have accepted an offer, the next steps will include having all inspections (as specified in the contract) performed. Repairs that are agreed upon will need to be made. Following agreement that repairs have been made as necessary, Boutique Realty will assist you with your end of the closing paperwork, advising you on your responsibilities. You can rest assured that we will see through to completion all remaining items requiring action or service.